Exception code: 0xc0000005 - Crash to Desktop in Several Apps

Hi DJ. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

Do you have this hotfix:
https://www.ageofempires.com/news/aoe2de-hotfix...

Also see here for some fixes that worked for this:
https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/crash-to-desk...
https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/game-crashes-...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Compare the install you did with this gold standard Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... Note the driver steps are so important they are printed in red.

The reason I ask you to do this is because no one of millions who have followed the install in that link has ever come back to report problems that I have seen. It is also a great learning experience that will make you permanently the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and have applied it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Do you have this hotfix:
https://www.ageofempires.com/news/aoe2de-hotfix...

I am running the current game version - which is a newer version of the game, since the hotfix in December.

Also see here for some fixes that worked for this:
https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/crash-to-desk...
https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/game-crashes-...

I have tried all of those suggested fixes/work-arounds, including:

• Verified integrity of game files via steam
• Completely uninstalled/re-installed the game via steam
• Updated graphics card drivers (nVidia)
• Ran System File Checker (no errors)
• Uninstalled all mods (only use OG grid and small trees)
• Uninstalled / re-installed Enhanced Graphics Pack
• Ran Windows Memory Checker
• Disabled Anti-virus
• I have attempted all official troubleshooting tips

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Done.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Done.

-------------------------

Also, please note that while my original Error log specifies an error with AoE2DE_s.exe, that I have also received this exact same 0xc0000005 error with Adobe Illustrator and Outlook.

What is the Faulting application listed in the error for the other apps?

I've been reading up on the error. Interesting findings here:
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-fix-error...
https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTechSupport/com...
https://www.reddit.com/r/BattlefieldV/comments/...
https://www.reddit.com/r/windows/comments/d4h2u...

I see you ran the Windows Memory Diagnostics. I'd also Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-PC-RAM-with-MemTest86

Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured, what upgrade options exist for first quality RAM: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

Optimize the paging file to compare:
https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/...
Then turn it off to compare.

Do you have a BIOS update avaiable?

What is the Faulting application listed in the error for the other apps?

I have cleared the log files after each troubleshooting step so I can more easily track new errors, but I know Illustrator.exe and AoE2DE_s.exe have thrown the 0xc0000005 error. I have had the I will post the other app crashes as I run into them.

I've been reading up on the error. Interesting findings here:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-fix-error...
https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTechSupport/com...
https://www.reddit.com/r/BattlefieldV/comments/...
https://www.reddit.com/r/windows/comments/d4h2u...

From those threads, I have now tried:

• Re-installing steam
• Rolling back video drivers to a known working driver set.  I did this after booting into safe mode and completely uninstalling the previous drivers.
• Uninstalled all C++ re-distros (there were at least 10 versions).

I see you ran the Windows Memory Diagnostics. I'd also Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-PC-RAM-with-MemTest86

Running this again now. Will run overnight and report back with results.

Do you have a BIOS update avaiable?

No. Running latest version.

I see you rated my post unhelpful. I had asked you to wait until we were finished to rate my post. Did you want me to release the thread?

I only clicked Did this solve your problem? No

Sorry if that was not appropriate. 

DJ, any Memtest results yet? How many passes?

I ran all 13 tests with 4 passes.  I ran this 4 times total.

Zero issues.

Is there a way to test the video RAM? I have a GTX 1080Ti with 12GB RAM.

You can test the video card by one of these methods:
https://www.xtremegaminerd.com/how-to-test-grap...
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/gaming/how-to-...
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/how-to-str...

I just ran HeavyLoad stress test on the GPU for an hour.  No heat or crash issues.

I don't know where to go from here.